This is why I want to paint everything in my new house white. Right now everything -- i.e. the walls, the decorative trim which abounds in this 100 year old Victorian -- is painted a dusty mauve color. To me, it makes the walls look older and dirtier than they are. The problem is that painting our new place is going to be a mother of a job. We rent, but have permission to paint. But with all the trim and doors, I'm not sure that it is a DIY job. Any advice out there about tackling everything from the doorknobs to the window sashes?

Did you know that you can buy old Gourmet photographs online? I am looking for a little framed something to put above our kitchen sink and was totally floored by these photos by Romulo Yanes. As you can see I had a hard time choosing what to post! They are kind of pricey, however, at $180 a pop.

I can't help but adore this photo of Emma Watson in Teen Vogue. Killer dress. These series of pictures are an Anglophile's dream come true. Cannot wait for the next Harry Potter film to come out already!

Just one year ago, on the summer solstice of last year, I got married! It was such a magical experience.... Year number one has been a tough; it included a debilitating surgery, a big career move, and an even bigger home move, along with little changes all around. Lucky for me I have a pretty good person to share it all with. Here's to hoping that year number two is a leeeetle bit more chill.

I just watched rock photographer Anton Corbijn's stunning debut film, Control. It's about the life and times of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of Joy Division. It's also one of the most beautifully shot films I have ever seen. Here's a little taste of the lush black and white that this amazing photographer captures.

These little bags are perfect for holding just about anything, and would be a lovely little gift for your best girlfriends. Check out Caroline Gardner's website. Psst, they are limited edition, so act fast!

hello! bonjour. hola. bom dia.

My name is Honora, and I am writer and grad student in San Francisco, CA. I love British mysteries, the word vermillion, sitting in the sun after a nice swim, and logging time in international airport terminals (and the countries that they take me to). Thanks for visiting!

Feel free to leave comments on posts, or to get in touch by e-mail: byitsowndesign@gmail.com.

— - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — -

I'm more than happy to share original content (photos posted belong to me, unless states otherwise), but I ask you to attribute it correctly. Let's keep the blogosphere an ethically happy place! On that note, if I've posted a photo incorrectly, please let me know.